Wakefield Wildcats v Leeds Rhinos: First Utility Super League preview
Last Updated: 07/06/15 2:31pm
Jamie Jones-Buchanan will have a late fitness test ahead of Leeds Rhinos’ trip to Wakefield Wildcats on Sunday.
The second-rower is struggling with a hamstring injury and must undergo a late test before a decision is taken on his place in the Rhinos squad.
Leeds are poised to give a debut to 18-year-old goal-kicking half-back Jordan Lilley in the absence of a host of first-team regulars.
The Rhinos have lost full-back Zak Hardaker and forwards Mitch Achurch and Brett Delaney through injury, while centre Joel Moon is suspended.
Lilley has impressed for Leeds U19s this season and assistant coach Chris Plume says he deserves his place in the Rhinos’ 19-man squad.
“He has been a top player for us since he joined us at U16 level but he has especially excelled with the Under 19s,” said Plume.
“He was selected for England this year and rose to the challenge with a top performance. To get a call up to the first team squad is a just reward for his efforts.”
Leeds were 48-22 winners when Wakefield visited Headingley in April but they could themselves sitting in second place when the take to the Belle Vue pitch.
The Wildcats, meanwhile, are marooned at the bottom of the Super League table after 13 successive defeats.
New coach Brian Smith is due to fly in from Australia for Sunday’s contest and new signing Stuart Howarth has gone straight into their 19-man squad following his arrival from Hull FC.
Prop Ben Kavanagh is recalled in place of the injured Scott Anderson, and there is also a place for full-back Craig Hall in interim coach Stu Dickens' squad.
“There will be some changes to the team after last week’s performance (against Castleford),” said Dickens.
“We are hoping those changes and Brian’s arrival will spark a bit of a response and a positive performance from the team this week.”
Wakefield Wildcats: Chris Annakin, Joe Arundel, Pita Godinet, Craig Hall, Stuart Howarth, Tom Johnstone, Ben Kavanagh, Danny Kirmond, Paul McShane, Jacob Miller, Jon Molloy, Richard Owen, Chris Riley, Matt Ryan, Nick Scruton, Michael Simon, Dan Smith, Tim Smith, Danny Washbrook.
Leeds Rhinos: Carl Ablett, Paul Aiton, Rob Burrow, Adam Cuthbertson, Ryan Hall, Ash Handley, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Jimmy Keinhorst, Jordan Lilley, Danny McGuire, Rob Mulhern, Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield, Brad Singleton, Liam Sutcliffe, Josh Walters, Stevie Ward, Kallum Watkins, Andy Yates.